Live at MFNW, Day 3: Redd Kross

Redd Kross (yes, the Redd Kross) joined us live at the Doug Fir Lounge for the final performance of our broadcast from this year’s MFNW. The punk veterans’ visit may seem untimely, but this year, Jeff and Steve McDonald drop their first album in 15 years. With Researching the Blues, Redd Kross acts their age, but still maintains the romping childish genius behind their classics. “Uglier” is reminiscent of the angry old favorites, while other tunes see Redd Kross drawing more heavily on their 1960s and 1970s influences. Regardless of whether or not the new album is your favorite thing in the world, the chance to see Redd Kross live is priceless, and we are proud to get to share a bit of that magic with you.

Taking the stage before a group of loyal and devoted Redd Kross fans, the band, now in their 30th year together, were upfront about their new music. “We have a new record, and it’s our favorite” remarked lead singer Jeff McDonald in the midst of their power chord and vintage punk-pop vocals drenched set. Their new music blended seamlessly with their old, even throwing in their classic cover of The Quick’s “Pretty Please Me.”

No matter how old the brothers or the rest of the band get, they show no sign of slowing down on stage, though their apparent lack of sleep did seem to be catching up to them, with Jeff McDonald forgetting to plug in his black Stratocaster at one point. Hopefully, he’ll have a cup of coffee before their midnight show that night at Dante’s.